We are looking for a student with a degree in food science and nutrition, with a degree in microbiology or any biological science/biomedical discipline that involved a strong laboratory component and who has an interest in learning new laboratory and human-based clinical techniques. Prior nutritional knowledge would be an advantage but is not a pre-requisite. Please note the minimum entry requirement for a FoodBioSystems DTP is a BSc honours degree at upper second class level (or equivalent).
Project outline
The gut barrier functions to control the passage of bacteria and bacterial products from the gut lumen into the portal circulation where they can be transported to key metabolic tissues, such as the liver and adipose tissue, and exert adverse effects on these tissues, immune and metabolic health. The most well documented example of this effect is the translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the gut to the liver and adipose tissue, where it has been implicated in promoting the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is consistent epidemiological evidence also linking a high intake of dietary protein to both NAFLD and T2D, but the mechanistic link underlying this relationship, and whether LPS is implicated, has not been fully investigated. The proposed mechanism in this application is based on increasing evidence suggesting that intestinal health and gut barrier function are impaired by the fermentation products of dietary protein in the colon. This is likely to have major implications for the over consumption of protein in the UK population and with respect to the proposal to increase dietary protein intake recommendations by 100% (0.75 to 1.5 g/kg) in middle-aged and elderly adults. However, these detrimental effects could be reduced by the inclusion of dietary probiotics.
This studentship aims to further define the relationship between gut barrier function and dietary protein and, to explore the potential mitigating effects of probiotics in both in vivo and in vitro models. A human dietary intervention will explore the in vivo effects on functional gut permeability and microbial metabolism of increasing dietary protein. In vitro models of the human epithelium be used to provide additional mechanistic understanding and evidence of a causal relationship between dietary protein and gut barrier function. If this link can be substantiated, it would have major implications for the over consumption of protein in the UK population, especially with respect to proposed dietary recommendations to increase protein intake in middle-aged adults and elderly adults.
Project Aim
The overall aim of this studentship would be to determine the effects of aging on dietary protein fermentation, changes to the microbiota and gut barrier function using in vitro and human intervention studies in a collaborative project between the Universities of Surrey and Reading.
Using samples obtained from human donors of different ages, the fermentation profile of dietary food proteins will be investigated in an in vitro digestion system that reflects the human colon. The effects of pre/pro biotics on the microbial population and microbial bio-actives and how this is affected by ageing will also be investigated. Samples from the in vitro gut model experiments will be used in in vitro cell modelling studies to investigate effects on transport across the gut barrier before being translated into a human pilot dietary intervention study to investigate the gut barrier in vivo. The student will then have the opportunity to investigate the effects of protein on the human gut mucosa using state-of the-art in vitro organ culture (IVOC) experiments. The results of these studies will provide unique evidence for a causal link between dietary protein and impaired gut barrier function and how this changes with age.
Training
There will be training available in human, laboratory, microbiological and in vitro-based model systems at both the University of Surrey and the University of Reading. Specifically, the student could expect to be trained in:
· In vitro gut models
· Microbiota population analysis
· In vitro cell culture models
· Human nutrition interventions, ethics and clinical governance
· In vitro organ culture systems
· Statistics and research design
Since this is a paired PhD project with the University of Reading, there will be additional valuable opportunities for gaining expertise in animal intervention studies, depending on the interest of the successful candidate
How to Apply
Applications will be by an online application form only. Do not send CVs. Please go to the FoodBioSystems website to see guidance to applicants, information on academic and funding eligibility and language proficiency.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion:
The FoodBioSystems DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), to building a doctoral researcher (DR) and staff body that reflects the diversity of society, and to encourage applications from under-represented and disadvantaged groups. Our actions to promote diversity and inclusion are detailed on the FoodBioSystemsDTP website.
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